Not since Sherlock Holmes first appeared in print and the Eiffel Tower began to rise over Paris have Americans had so many breweries from which to choose.

The total number of U.S. breweries[3] as of June stood at 2,126, an increase of 350 additional breweries from June 2011 and the most since 1887, according to figures released today by the Boulder-based Brewers Association.

The BA also reported a staggering 1,252 breweries in planning today, compared to 725 a year ago.

Brewers Association President Paul Gatza said in an email that the group believes the high water mark for total number of breweries in the U.S. was in the neighborhood of 4,000, achieved in 1873.

Overall, craft brewing continued to experience strong sales growth in the first half of 2012, outpacing overall U.S. beer sales, the BA said. The mid-year data found a 14 percent increase in dollar sales and 12 percent jump in volume in the first half of 2012 for small and independent U.S. brewers[7].

By contrast, overall U.S. beer ales are believed to be up about 1 percent this year, with most of that growth due to the extra day on the calendar because this is a leap year, Gatza said.

“Generally, most craft brewers are continuing to see strong growth in production, sales, brewing capacity and employment, which is to be celebrated during challenged times for many of today’s small businesses,” Gatza said in a news release[8]. “Plus it’s a fact that beer drinkers are responding to the quality and diversity created by small American brewing companies. India pale ales, seasonal beers, Belgian-inspired ales and a range of specialty beers are just a few of the beer styles that are growing rapidly.”